Pavetta indica L.

 

Family: Rubiaceae

Synonym: Ixora indica (L.) Baill. 

Vernacular name: Kamatta, Nochi, Pavetta

Habit: Shrub

Habitat: Evergreen , deciduous and scrub forests

Distribution: India and Sri Lanka

Flowering and Fruiting: April-November

Key identification features: Large shrubs or small trees featuring a grey bark that is smooth and becomes irregularly scaly as it matures. The inner bark, or blaze, is a greenish cream color. The plants display their inflorescence in the form of corymbose cymes situated at the terminal ends. They bloom with white flowers, followed by berries that contain two pyrenes.

Uses: The bark, in decoction, or pulverized, is administered, especially to children, to correct visceral obstructions.